A foundation degree is a stand-alone programme equivalent to the first two years of a traditional degree. It combines academic skills with the work-related practical side of the IT Industry. Most students who complete the FD progress onto a top-up degree and graduate with a BSc (Hons) which typically takes an additional year for full-time students and two years for part-time.

Join a growing industry and become a pioneer of the UK’s digital economy with one of our digital technologies courses. This programme covers a wide range of core subjects and personal development skills in year one, before broadening out with a range of specialist subjects in year two where you will learn all the skills required for a successful career in a multitude of roles within the Digital Technologies sector. Specialist subjects include: project management (PRINCE2), OO programming (Java), database design (MySQL), network administration (MS Active Directory) and multimedia technologies (Adobe). You will also begin to undertake your own professional development, in preparation for graduating. You’ll be automatically enrolled as a student member of the British Computer Society (BCS) as part of this module, providing valuable networking and career support opportunities.

Entry Requirements

Standard Entry: 32 UCAS Tariff points or equivalent (MMP) Please see the UCAS tariff calculator on the left-hand side of this webpage to work out your tariff point amount.

Non-standard entry: Applicants who have relevant skills and experience but who do not hold the standard minimum entry requirements will be considered. Applicants will be required to demonstrate the necessary skills and experience to enter the course through their personal statement.

Duration and Attendance

Full-time: 2 years

Part-time: 4 years

Programme Content

The course is delivered in a dedicated classroom with specialist software, Arduino development kits and a network “lab” set-up with dedicated servers, involving lots of practical hands-on activity supported by open workshop sessions (staffed by course tutors). You will welcome speakers from industry, attend professional networking events, open lectures and in the second year you will manage a live project for a real client.

Course themes include:

Systems analysis (Agile, MS SQL)

Fundamentals of computer technologies (Arduino)

Dynamic web development (HTML, CSS and PHP)

Project management (PRINCE2)

Database design (MySQL)

Personal development

Multimedia technologies (Adobe)

Network administration (Ms Active Directory)

Assessment Methods

Most assignments are coursework with a large practical component, completed on an individual basis with a small number of group work elements over the two years. Some modules make limited use of on-line testing or written exams. One module in each year will involve a formal exam as part of the assessment.

Progression

Most students who complete the FD progress onto a top-up degree and graduate with a BSc (Hons) which typically takes an additional year for full-time students and two years for part-time.

Course Fees

Fee 2017/18 (starts)

Fee 2018/19 (starts)

Full time

£6165

£7200

Part time

£3080

£3600

*International Students should call the International team at York College on 01904 770425.